Airbrushing....what Kind Of Mask Do You Use To Protect Yourself ?

[Dogface]

I have just finished setting up my airbrush system but have not used it yet. Seems that one must protect yourself from the aerosolized particles of dye or other substance you are airbrushing. Do you use a simple surgical mask or full respirator? After you're done how do you clear the room before you remove the mask ? Even with fans and open windows I dunno how long it takes to make the room safe.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[RMB Custom Leather]

Good question I have been wondering that myself, which mask is the best.

[Beaverslayer]

What, your supposed to wear a mask???

No, just kidding....It all depends on the type of product you will be spraying. Home Depot sells a good respirator that should cover pretty much anything that a leather worker is going to use, get the one that has replaceable filters, so when they clog up, you can change them without having to buy the mask all over again.

Those filmsy dust masks will work also, but only if your spraying for a very short time.

[Art]

For Acrylic paint I don't use anything with an airbrush spraying at 20 lbs with a .20 or .30 nozzle as there is little overspray. For spirit dye I use an organic VOC mask with replacable cans. Anything else I use the VOC mask.

Art

[TwinOaks]

I'm with Beaverslayer....Breath Deeply!

I have moved my spraying rig so I can use it outdoors. It's a few steps from my table to fresh air, so I just step outside for the spraying.

[immiketoo]

I bought the respirator mask at the hardware store thats rated for vapors, not the particle version. However, I also created a cheap hood by using a clear plastic tote and my shop vac. Cut a hole big enough for your vac hose in the side of the tote, cut down a furnace filter to fit inside of the tote and put it against the vac hose. Turn on the van and voila! Instant spray hood. I don't use my respirator for spraying because I cant smell any of the vapors. I do use it when I glue with barge though.

[oldtimer]

I built a spraybox out of plywood with a kitchen fan on top and a vent.hose out through the wall

[benlilly1]

I use a respirator mask and a fan in a window. Clears out pretty fast with a fan. I sprayed cabinetry for 25 years and you better wear a respirator to be safe.

[KAYAK45]

If you want to build a small "Paint Booth" or "Glue Booth" be advised almost all fumes are heavier than air and a bottom collection system, vented outdoors will be the best.

How do I know this? Check the OSHA fines I paid for a top vent paint FUME RECOVERY system that cost thousands and was ruled INOP by our Federally friends.

Really, it was proven to me that the fumes are heavy and can collect in low areas of a shop. This is not only a BREATHING problem, but a potential SPARK problem around flame (furnace/water heater?) as well as ELECTRICAL SPARK (air compressor on floor?).

Kevin

Good luck all.

!